Costco announced that it will close the Photo Centers in all of its locations until February 14, 2021. The announcement was made known to Costco Photography Center customers by email this morning.
In March 2019, Costco announced that it was closing some of its photography departments in stores, citing the drop in print sales and the lack of demand for the service. Today, that sentiment was echoed in the email to customers.
We are writing to inform you of the upcoming closure of the photography department at all Costco locations on Sunday, February 14, 2021.
Since the introduction of camera phones and social media, the need to print photos has decreased dramatically, although the number of photos taken continues to grow. After careful consideration, we have determined that the continued decline in impressions no longer requires photo printing on the spot.
Costco is not entirely leaving the photography market, however. While the company plans to close its stores, it plans to continue to offer impressions through its website.
Digital technologies allow consumers to do more with their photos, including the ability to personalize screens, metal and acrylic prints or create photo albums, stationery, calendars and other gifts. We will continue to send these high quality products and prints to your home or business through the Costco Photo Center website, CostcoPhotoCenter.com.
The loss of face-to-face services also means that the company will no longer offer passport photo services.
Costco’s home video transfer, passport photo, photo restoration and ink cartridge refill services will no longer be available after February 14, 2021.
The company is asking all members to plan to recover all remaining orders by March 28.
The Costco Photo Center has always been one of the company’s main locations, usually located right at the entrance to its many stores. It is not known how Costco will use the newly released space at its locations. PetaPixel had contacted Costco for comment, but the company did not respond before publication.